Trout Shutout in Erie

MISSISSAUGA, ON – With the closest thing to a full lineup that the Steelheads have seen in weeks, Mississauga travelled across the border for a Remembrance/Veteran’s Day clash with the Erie Otters. The teams came together to start the game, as the rosters stood side-by-side to hold the American flag at centre ice following a moment of silence. That would be as far as the friendship went, as the battle began immediately following the opening faceoff.

Cameron Zanussi, making his second career OHL start, was tested early in the game as Erie’s “Exceptional Player” and Captain Connor McDavid found himself breaking in early. Zanussi turned away the phenom early, but unfortunately would be bested by Erie’s second superstar as Dylan Strome tapped in his 13th of the season to make it 1-0 early in the game. Despite the early goal, the Steelheads would not be discouraged, playing the Otters tight and defending their zone. It was a quick first period, as the teams exchanged chances with the up-tempo, end-to-end play. Looking to frustrate the future first-overall pick, the Steelheads worked to separate McDavid from the puck, keeping within one goal for the majority of the period. The Otters would not break through for their second goal until the 17-minute mark of the period, when Kyle Pettit’s shot off of the post took a lucky bounce, landing right on his stick. With an empty cage to shoot at, the Otters extended their lead to two goals. Alex DeBrincat found his 20th of the season shortly after, scoring in tight with under two minutes to go, sending the Trout into the break trailing by a score of 3-0 after 1.

Determined to make an impact of offense, the Trout found their first chance early in the second frame as Michael McLeod broke in and found himself with a great chance on his backhand; unfortunately he could not find the back of the net. McDavid picked up his 16th goal of the year shortly after, with a Steelhead in the box, as a centring pass was deflected in front to make it 4-0 Otters. The Steelheads would find themselves with another opportunity to make their mark on the scoreboard with a power play opportunity midway through the second, unfortunately neither the power play or the sustained pressure would result in a goal for the Trout. A relatively disciplined game would go south in the latter half of the second period, punctuated by an unlikely tilt between opposing Captains, as Bryson Cianfrone and Connor McDavid squared off; the scrap would result in a game misconduct for the Erie skipper. The teams would exchange special teams opportunities to end the frame, however there would be no more scoring.

The Steelheads started the third period with the man advantage after a late period Erie penalty. Offsetting penalties would break up the opportunity, but Kurtis MacDermid would return to the box shortly after the expiration of his first penalty, giving the Steelheads an extended opportunity. Despite a couple of great opportunities generated by Everett Clark, the Trout failed to solve Daniel Dekoning. Zanussi, not to be outdone, would also make a number of saves, including on back to back breakaways to keep the Trout in the game, unfortunately time would run out on Mississauga, as the Steelheads suffered their third straight loss. Cameron Zanussi made 25 saves in the loss, his second in two career starts.

The Steelheads will return to action this Friday night, as they host Mayor Hazel McCallion for a tribute to our honourable Mayor. The Sudbury Wolves will be in town, and great seats are still available! Beat the box office by purchasing online and printing at home!